asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why RTE 2 is not available in west Kerry, south Kerry, and Castletownbere, Country Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - RTE 2 Reception.
3.
(Dublin South-Central): As I explained in my reply on 24 October 1978 to Questions Nos. 473 and 474 by Deputy O'Keeffe and Deputy J. Walsh, the provision of the transmitter network for RTE 2 has had to be undertaken in phases. Technical considerations dictated that the main transmitting stations should be provided first. For operational reasons, provision has also been made to provide RTE 2 transposers at the outset at a number of low-powered stations.
RTE say that detailed planning for the extension of RTE 2 to the remaining parts of the country will commence as soon as possible. Priority will be given in this phase to single channel areas, like those mentioned by the Deputy, where transposers have been provided for the first television service.
Can the Minister say why the detailed planning mentioned by him has taken so long? Why did it not take place long ago?
(Dublin South-Central): As I said in my reply, attention had to be paid to the main transmitters which will supply 90 per cent of the viewers. Priority had to be given to them.
Can the Minister justify an increase in the cost of television licences to those people when they can-not get RTE 2?
(Dublin South-Central): RTE inform me that they will try to ensure that these pockets will ob-tain service as soon as possible.
Has the Minister given any consideration to extending RTE reception to those parts of rural Ireland where there is no reception at all? Does he consider this as a first priority?
That is a separate question. We cannot widen the scope of the question.
Could I reverse the question? Would the Minister consider the position of people in these areas where neither RTE 2 nor any other channel is available? What priority is being given to meet that problem?
(Dublin South-Central): Priority will be given of course, but it is envisaged now that it will be a package and that they will be able to receive RTE 1 and RTE 2. RTE intend to give their attention to areas like that.
When does the Minister anticipate these remaining pockets in rural Ireland, such as south Kerry and west Cork, will have some television reception?
(Dublin South-Central): I could not give a particular date.
Are we talking about weeks, months or years?
(Dublin South-Central): I understand the authority are making every effort to make it available as soon as possible.
Could the Minister give us any idea what "as soon as possible" means in the circumstances?
(Dublin South-Central): I understand the authority met a deputation from these areas on the matter.
Will the Minister say why RTE 2 is not available in the Berehaven peninsula?
(Dublin South-Central): I have not got particulars about that area. If the Deputy puts down a question I will get the information.
Areas like the Berehaven peninsula seem to be forgotten by the State. They are relegated to second and third places. The Minister suggested that more populous centres must get preferential treatment which implies that the sparsely populated areas can be overlooked.
(Dublin South-Central): They are not being overlooked.
The Minister should remember the no channel areas.